Introduced as a man who “served his country with loyalty, love and selfless energy,” Vietnam veteran Danny Woodard was recognized during a ceremony at the American Legion Harold Kerr Post #173, Bellefontaine, on Saturday, March 25. The event, which is usually hosted at the Logan County Courthouse, was moved indoors due to the weather.
Woodard completed two tours in Vietnam, working as a Huey helicopter crew chief and aircraft and repair tech. He was shot down six times and wounded just as many.
On one occasion, Woodard was the only survivor when his ship went down after coming under heavy enemy fire. Armed only with a Colt .45 sidearm and a knife, he was missing in action for 30 days before finally making it back to his home base near the China Sea.
Woodard survived this ordeal by eating rats, mice, roots and whatever else he could find. He avoided the villages — sleeping during the day and traveling at night — and used his extensive navigational skills to keep heading south.
“The many incidents, details and experiences noted are not to be taken lightly,” MC Robert Walker said in his remarks. “We all must realize the sacrifice and hardship not only of this veteran, but all of our veterans who experienced the horrors of war.”
A highlight of the event was when fellow veteran Greg Titus surprised Woodard by presenting him with his medals. These numerous awards for service were lost following the dissolution of Woodard’s first marriage. They were reissued then framed to be given to Woodard as part of Saturday’s ceremony.
Each recipient of this honor then nominates the veteran they would like to see receive recognition the following year.
“It is because of these brave men that we all enjoy our freedoms and liberties,” Walker asserted. “We should never take that for granted.”